BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 313          Total No. of Sites: 0
Survey/Project Name: Population Monitoring of Brush-Tailed Bettongs on Offshore Islands
Abstract: As part of a re-introduction program of Brush Tailed Bettongs into South Australia, captive bred animals were released on six offshore Islands including St Francis Island, Baird Bay Island, Wedge Island, St Peters Island and Venus Bay Island A. In the case of the latter, small numbers of bettongs were trialed and later released onto the Venus Bay peninsula were extensive eradication and control programs of rabbit, fox and cats were undertaken within a fenced part of the mainland. To facilitate trapping of animals on Island A, a grid was used to systematically record population dynamics and home ranges. The success of this stage of the reintroduction supported multiple releases of both captive bred and hardened individuals from Island A Venus Bay Conservation Park on to St Francis Island which now is free of feral animals. Animals were also transferred from Island A to Baird Bay Island Conservation Park to reduce pressure on the densely populated Venus Bay populations. Trapping grids were employed for data collection on other islands. Other captive bred animals from various sources were also released and monitored on Wedge Island and St Peters island where competition and predators are absent or nearly so. Yookamurra Sanctuary also contains an undisclosed number of bettongs released from Warrawong Sanctuary, monitoring was undertaken between 1993 - 1996.
 
Start Date: 01/05/1981      End Date: 01/08/1999
Survey Type: Fauna only
   
Study Area Description: *** No study area description recorded
Objectives
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation survey objectives recorded
         Fauna: Data collections from Bird Club Island in 1979, Island A Venus Bay CP collections started in May 1980 and conducted until 1992, from 1985 a grid was used to systematise the trap and collection of vegetation quadrat data, trap data on St Francis Island and Baird Bay Island started 1982, Wedge Island trapping data collected 1989 & 1990. Trapping data and monitoring of animal fitted with radio transmitters between the years 1989 - 1992, some genetic testing of animals captured during trapping, and population data used to determine rates of recovery from exotic predator control programs, animals fitted with ear tags. As populations become established ie 15 years after reintroduction, monitoring frequency of bettongs can be reduced to 5 years. Annual reporting of bettong captures includes opportunistic sightings and other mammal, reptile and bird captures/sightings. GPS localities and trapline locations within established grids on Islands and Venus Bay CP (see SU_71). 2005 OVERVIEW Brush-tailed Bettongs were introduced to St Peters Island CP in 1989 (128 individuals). In 2000, the population was estimated at between 5-6,000. In 1983, thirty-six BtBs were released on Wedge Island. In 2000, the population was estimated at between 4-5,000. These populations are monitored every five years. Monitoring is due again in 2005, but had not been completed at time of writing. References: See web links above & combined field reports referenced with Greater Stick-nest Rat section below. Van Weenen, J. (1996). Brushtailed Bettong Monitoring St Peters Island (1996). Unpublished report, Department for Environment and Heritage
Methodology
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation methodology recorded
         Fauna: *** No vertebrate methodology recorded

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Fauna : Rare and Threatened Species Protection Strategies. - Standard Survey methodology used.
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:S&C Div) - Biological Survey and Monitoring